Page 106 of Under His Protection
“What’s going to happen next? What about school and the dorm?”
“I’d like to escort you to school for a few more days, just to make sure you feel comfortable on campus. As for your dorm, I guess I’ll move your stuff back in when you feel ready.”
“I considered asking Shane if he would request a permanent housing exemption for me, but I’ve decided not to. As much as I’ll miss living with you, I think it’s best if I go back to the dorm.” She turns teary eyes to me. “I lived with my mom and Dave my whole life. Living in the dorm was my first taste of living on my own, sort of. I mean, there’s structure there, and safety—when I wasn’t being stalked. And Melissa is a great roommate. I felt some level of independence for the first time in my life, and I liked it. After two years, I’ll be able to live wherever I want.”
“I’ve been thinking about our living situation, too,” I say. “I’ve wondered if you might want to move into my apartment. I think your dad would eventually get over the shock.”
She laughs, as I hoped she would. “Ask me that again in two years.”
“You bet I will.”
“In the meantime, we have the weekends.” She grins as she leans against me. “We could have sleepovers at your place.”
“I would love that.”
“Guys!” Charlie yells up the stairs. “Food is ready! Come eat!”
Haley rises and reaches for my hand. “Ready?”
I stand. “There’s just one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Is it too soon for me to tell youI love you? Because if it is—”
Her beautiful dark eyes widen as she shakes her head. “It’s not too soon.” She cups my face and pulls me down for a kiss. “Because I love you, too, Philip.”
“Guys, come on!” Charlie yells once more. “It’s getting cold.”
“Coming, Mom!” I yell back. I wrap my arms around the love of my life. “Let’s go eat comfort food.”
* * *
Haley is quiet throughout dinner. Not even comfort food seems to be picking up her spirits. When we climb into bed that evening, she’s very subdued. Too quiet. She presses her face against my chest and wraps her arm around my waist. I hold her in my arms, not sure how to help her. I know she had a traumatic evening. Finding out the stalker was Christian had to be a shock. She didn’t expect that.
She’s shut down right now, probably trying to process everything that’s happened.
I rub her back gently. “Maybe you could take a couple of days off from school and decompress. We could just stay here, hang out and rest, watch movies and read. What do you say?”
She shakes her head. “That sounds wonderful, but I don’t want to miss my classes. I’ll get behind.”
I doubt that’s true, because I’m pretty sure she’s already working ahead in most of her classes, but I do admire her discipline. She’s so strong. I don’t think she realizes how strong she is. I think she could accomplish anything she put her mind to.
“Are you worried about going to your classes?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because of Andrea, for one thing. I don’t know if she knew what Christian was doing, but either way, she’s going to be upset. Even if she didn’t know, she just lost her best friend. How is she going to feel or react?”
“What else?”
“Mark. Even if he didn’t do it, he’s still a creep. He makes me uncomfortable.”
“Trust me, after I talk to him, he’ll back off.” I squeeze her hand. “So, we’re going to school tomorrow?”
“Yes. At least I’m going. You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I imagine you need to get back to your other projects.”
